TEL AVIV, May 2, 2010 (WAFA)- Haaretz Israeli Daily said, today that, Israeli President Shimon Peres declared today that 'Israel wants an independent, successful, affluent Palestinian state.'
'Israel has adopted the principle of two states… and we extend our hand for an honest peace with our neighbors,' he said.
Proximity talks are clearly both necessary and within Israel's interests,' Peres was quoted by Haaretz, adding that he welcomed the upcoming start of indirect peace talks between Israel and the PLO, saying negotiations are clearly a necessity and in Israel's best interest.
'There is a readiness in Israel to solve the obstacles at the basis of peace negotiations,” Peres said, “It took a little longer than we hoped for and problems are not yet solved but at least the way to handle them is open.'
He continued on saying that the gaps between the sides are small and said Israel is interested in the establishment of a stable and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.